In this episode, we dive deep into the basics of anesthesia pharmacology—perfect for ICU nurses starting CRNA school or senior residents needing a solid refresher. We break down foundational topics like pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics, and explain why understanding physiology is key to mastering pharmacology. You’ll learn about drug targets like GABA and NMDA receptors, and the real mechanisms behind anesthetics, opioids, local anesthetics, and muscle relaxants. We also walk through “top drawer drugs” in the OR, including quick quizzes to reinforce your understanding of real-time drug decisions—like when to choose ephedrine over phenylephrine. This is a science-heavy episode, but one that sets the groundwork for more advanced content.

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